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Deadspin | Steven Matz, Rays out to slow road-rampaging Reds Apr 20, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds have found ways to win despite some dreadful offensive numbers, but their hitters might be finding some form on the current road trip. Winners of four straight to start a six-game trek, the Reds will look for a second consecutive victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. Cincinnati led 2-1 after one inning on Monday and never looked back, cruising to a 6-1 victory. Entering the matchup batting a paltry .178 average with runners in scoring position, the Reds went 4-for-13 on Monday while the Rays finished 0-for-7 in those situations. As a result, Cincinnati logged a ninth win in 11 road outings. While the series opener ended up one-sided, the Reds also own impressive records in tight contests: 6-0 in one-run games and 10-0 in games decided by two runs or fewer. Cincinnati has swept two road series this year, against the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. Last season, the Reds swept just one. “We’re not always going to hit, but when we’re (right), we can do a lot of things,” Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “… Winning always feels good. We’ve just got to keep doing the little things, keep grinding.” The Reds’ Tuesday starter will be Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA). The 23-year-old right-hander, a former Wake Forest hurler like Cincinnati’s Monday starter, Rhett Lowder, will face the Rays for the first time. Burns is coming off his second scoreless start of the season, when he tossed six innings in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday. The Rays put the first four batters on base against a shaky Lowder on Monday, but they ended the frame only getting a bases-loaded walk by Yandy Diaz, wasting a chance to put up a crooked number. “We had some good at-bats right away, and then their pitcher got tough,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Our focus right there is just try to move the ball, put some pressure on the defense. We didn’t. He made some big pitches.” Tampa Bay will send out surprising Steven Matz (3-0, 3.80 ERA) in the series’ middle game. Having last pitched as a full-time starter in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 34-year-old left-hander has found a resurgence taking the mound every fifth day with Tampa Bay. Matz has been remarkably consistent in four starts, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings to go with 21 strikeouts and six walks. The opposition is batting .208 against him. The Long Island, N.Y., native is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games (six starts) against Cincinnati, which has a .305 batting average against him. The Rays are being careful with right-handed starter Joe Boyle, who has been out since April 10 due to a right elbow strain. He likely won’t return to action this month. “Joe has been on a good run. I think he’s gaining confidence with every outing,” Cash said. “He’s a big, big part of our season, so (we) want to make sure we do right by him and try to freshen him up.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Steven #Matz #Rays #slow #roadrampaging #Reds

Deadspin | Steven Matz, Rays out to slow road-rampaging Reds
Deadspin | Steven Matz, Rays out to slow road-rampaging Reds Apr 20, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds have found ways to win despite some dreadful offensive numbers, but their hitters might be finding some form on the current road trip. Winners of four straight to start a six-game trek, the Reds will look for a second consecutive victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla. Cincinnati led 2-1 after one inning on Monday and never looked back, cruising to a 6-1 victory. Entering the matchup batting a paltry .178 average with runners in scoring position, the Reds went 4-for-13 on Monday while the Rays finished 0-for-7 in those situations. As a result, Cincinnati logged a ninth win in 11 road outings. While the series opener ended up one-sided, the Reds also own impressive records in tight contests: 6-0 in one-run games and 10-0 in games decided by two runs or fewer. Cincinnati has swept two road series this year, against the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. Last season, the Reds swept just one. “We’re not always going to hit, but when we’re (right), we can do a lot of things,” Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “… Winning always feels good. We’ve just got to keep doing the little things, keep grinding.” The Reds’ Tuesday starter will be Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA). The 23-year-old right-hander, a former Wake Forest hurler like Cincinnati’s Monday starter, Rhett Lowder, will face the Rays for the first time. Burns is coming off his second scoreless start of the season, when he tossed six innings in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday. The Rays put the first four batters on base against a shaky Lowder on Monday, but they ended the frame only getting a bases-loaded walk by Yandy Diaz, wasting a chance to put up a crooked number. “We had some good at-bats right away, and then their pitcher got tough,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Our focus right there is just try to move the ball, put some pressure on the defense. We didn’t. He made some big pitches.” Tampa Bay will send out surprising Steven Matz (3-0, 3.80 ERA) in the series’ middle game. Having last pitched as a full-time starter in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 34-year-old left-hander has found a resurgence taking the mound every fifth day with Tampa Bay. Matz has been remarkably consistent in four starts, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings to go with 21 strikeouts and six walks. The opposition is batting .208 against him. The Long Island, N.Y., native is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games (six starts) against Cincinnati, which has a .305 batting average against him. The Rays are being careful with right-handed starter Joe Boyle, who has been out since April 10 due to a right elbow strain. He likely won’t return to action this month. “Joe has been on a good run. I think he’s gaining confidence with every outing,” Cash said. “He’s a big, big part of our season, so (we) want to make sure we do right by him and try to freshen him up.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Steven #Matz #Rays #slow #roadrampaging #RedsApr 20, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds have found ways to win despite some dreadful offensive numbers, but their hitters might be finding some form on the current road trip.

Winners of four straight to start a six-game trek, the Reds will look for a second consecutive victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Cincinnati led 2-1 after one inning on Monday and never looked back, cruising to a 6-1 victory.

Entering the matchup batting a paltry .178 average with runners in scoring position, the Reds went 4-for-13 on Monday while the Rays finished 0-for-7 in those situations.

As a result, Cincinnati logged a ninth win in 11 road outings.

While the series opener ended up one-sided, the Reds also own impressive records in tight contests: 6-0 in one-run games and 10-0 in games decided by two runs or fewer.

Cincinnati has swept two road series this year, against the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. Last season, the Reds swept just one.

“We’re not always going to hit, but when we’re (right), we can do a lot of things,” Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “… Winning always feels good. We’ve just got to keep doing the little things, keep grinding.”

The Reds’ Tuesday starter will be Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA). The 23-year-old right-hander, a former Wake Forest hurler like Cincinnati’s Monday starter, Rhett Lowder, will face the Rays for the first time.


Burns is coming off his second scoreless start of the season, when he tossed six innings in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

The Rays put the first four batters on base against a shaky Lowder on Monday, but they ended the frame only getting a bases-loaded walk by Yandy Diaz, wasting a chance to put up a crooked number.

“We had some good at-bats right away, and then their pitcher got tough,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Our focus right there is just try to move the ball, put some pressure on the defense. We didn’t. He made some big pitches.”

Tampa Bay will send out surprising Steven Matz (3-0, 3.80 ERA) in the series’ middle game.

Having last pitched as a full-time starter in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 34-year-old left-hander has found a resurgence taking the mound every fifth day with Tampa Bay.

Matz has been remarkably consistent in four starts, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings to go with 21 strikeouts and six walks. The opposition is batting .208 against him.

The Long Island, N.Y., native is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games (six starts) against Cincinnati, which has a .305 batting average against him.

The Rays are being careful with right-handed starter Joe Boyle, who has been out since April 10 due to a right elbow strain. He likely won’t return to action this month.

“Joe has been on a good run. I think he’s gaining confidence with every outing,” Cash said. “He’s a big, big part of our season, so (we) want to make sure we do right by him and try to freshen him up.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Steven #Matz #Rays #slow #roadrampaging #Reds

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Apr 20, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) hits a RBI single in the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

The National League Central-leading Cincinnati Reds have found ways to win despite some dreadful offensive numbers, but their hitters might be finding some form on the current road trip.

Winners of four straight to start a six-game trek, the Reds will look for a second consecutive victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Cincinnati led 2-1 after one inning on Monday and never looked back, cruising to a 6-1 victory.

Entering the matchup batting a paltry .178 average with runners in scoring position, the Reds went 4-for-13 on Monday while the Rays finished 0-for-7 in those situations.

As a result, Cincinnati logged a ninth win in 11 road outings.

While the series opener ended up one-sided, the Reds also own impressive records in tight contests: 6-0 in one-run games and 10-0 in games decided by two runs or fewer.

Cincinnati has swept two road series this year, against the Texas Rangers and Minnesota Twins. Last season, the Reds swept just one.

“We’re not always going to hit, but when we’re (right), we can do a lot of things,” Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz said, according to MLB.com. “… Winning always feels good. We’ve just got to keep doing the little things, keep grinding.”

The Reds’ Tuesday starter will be Chase Burns (1-1, 2.42 ERA). The 23-year-old right-hander, a former Wake Forest hurler like Cincinnati’s Monday starter, Rhett Lowder, will face the Rays for the first time.

Burns is coming off his second scoreless start of the season, when he tossed six innings in a no-decision against the San Francisco Giants on Thursday.

The Rays put the first four batters on base against a shaky Lowder on Monday, but they ended the frame only getting a bases-loaded walk by Yandy Diaz, wasting a chance to put up a crooked number.

“We had some good at-bats right away, and then their pitcher got tough,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Our focus right there is just try to move the ball, put some pressure on the defense. We didn’t. He made some big pitches.”

Tampa Bay will send out surprising Steven Matz (3-0, 3.80 ERA) in the series’ middle game.

Having last pitched as a full-time starter in 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays, the 34-year-old left-hander has found a resurgence taking the mound every fifth day with Tampa Bay.

Matz has been remarkably consistent in four starts, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings to go with 21 strikeouts and six walks. The opposition is batting .208 against him.

The Long Island, N.Y., native is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games (six starts) against Cincinnati, which has a .305 batting average against him.

The Rays are being careful with right-handed starter Joe Boyle, who has been out since April 10 due to a right elbow strain. He likely won’t return to action this month.

“Joe has been on a good run. I think he’s gaining confidence with every outing,” Cash said. “He’s a big, big part of our season, so (we) want to make sure we do right by him and try to freshen him up.”

–Field Level Media

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‘Musiala magic’ will be on full display very soon, says Bayern coach Kompany <div id="content-body-70888122" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Bayern Munich playmaker Jamal Musiala missed much of the season due to a broken leg, and ​while he has already made an impact since returning to the ‌pitch in January, coach Vincent Kompany is confident ​he will soon take his game to a ⁠whole new level.</p><p>The 23-year-old Germany international sustained a fibula fracture with a broken and dislocated ankle following a collision with then-Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper ‌Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Club World Cup last July.</p><p>After making his return at the start of the ‌year, he has gradually earned more playing time as ‌he ⁠bids to make Germany’s squad for the World ⁠Cup, which starts in June.</p><p>Fellow Bayern midfielder Serge Gnabry carried much of the load during Musiala’s absence but will be out of action for several weeks ​with an adductor muscle ‌injury.</p><p>With Bayern set for a German Cup semifinal against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, Kompany needs Musiala to step up.</p><p>“Jamal is in a good phase at the moment,” he told ‌a press conference on Tuesday.</p><p>“I said it early on, ​back in January, that he’s developed physically. He’s now also physically close to his best level, not ⁠just in terms of strength but also in terms of his willingness to run.</p><p>“Now the question is when will ‘Magic Musiala’ return? ‌It will come 100%. The moments are there. But even now, what the lad is doing at the moment is very dangerous in front of goal.”</p><p>In 600 minutes of play, Musiala had accrued nine ‘scorer points’ — the combined number of assists and goals scored — in all competitions, said Kompany.</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/epl/tottenham-hotspur-crisis-relegation-fear-edgar-davids-former-spurs-star-on-premier-league-survival/article70887439.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ex-Spurs star Davids condemns ‘lack of quality, lack of management’ at Tottenham</a></b></p><p>Treble-chasing Bayern, which has ‌not reached the German Cup final since 2020, secured the Bundesliga title ​on Sunday with a 4-2 victory over VfB Stuttgart with four matches left to play.</p><p>It also faces ⁠PSG next week in France in its Champions League semifinal first ⁠leg.</p><p>“When he has this total freedom again, and it will come back, then you will have an even ‌more developed version of Musiala and that, as a coach, makes me happy,” Kompany added.</p><p>“But with nine scorer points ​in 600 minutes he has shown he is ready.”</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #Musiala #magic #fulldisplay #Bayern #coach #Kompany

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Deadspin | Randy Vasquez, Padres eager to continue good fortune vs. Rockies Apr 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres started the season by dropping four of their first five games before getting on a roll. The Padres have won 14 of their last 17 games, including a four-game home sweep of Colorado as part of an eight-game winning streak. The Rockies can exact some revenge when they host the Padres in the opener of a three-game set on Tuesday in Denver. San Diego right-hander Randy Vasquez (1-0, 2.49 ERA) goes to the mound on Tuesday. Colorado has not named a starter for the series opener. The Padres were off Monday while the Rockies dropped a 12-3 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers to end a four-game wraparound series. Vasquez is making his second start of the season against Colorado and the eighth in his career. In his previous seven outings against the Rockies, he is 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA. He allowed just one run and struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings on April 9 in San Diego. While the Padres have piled up the wins since late March, there is another ongoing streak that could make history this week. Closer Mason Miller is close to breaking the club’s consecutive scoreless innings record held by Cla Meredith. Miller’s streak of 32 2/3 scoreless innings is one behind Meredith, who established the mark from July 18 to Sept. 12, 2006. If he doesn’t allow a run in his next full inning, he’ll also tie Chris Short for eighth place among relievers for the longest streak since 1961. Gregg Olson holds the record with 41 shutout innings from Aug 4, 1989, to May 4, 1990, with Baltimore. “This season is off to a good start,” Miller told MLB.com. “I finished last season strong. The two aren’t necessarily connected.” If he is to continue the streak on the road, he’ll have to do it on the high altitude of Denver or when San Diego plays Arizona in Mexico City on Saturday and Sunday. Colorado may derail those plans after a confidence-building series against the Dodgers. Like the Padres, Los Angeles was rolling heading to Denver before the Rockies split the series. There’s much more optimism in Colorado surrounding this season after losing 119 games in 2025. The Rockies shook up their roster, and some of the early returns are positive. Troy Johnston and TJ Rumfield have played well in their first year with the team, and Edouard Julien has been a catalyst when he’s in the lineup. Julien had three hits in a 9-6 win over the Dodgers on Sunday and is batting .259 heading into this three-game series. “Eddie’s been great for us since day one,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “We knew that he was going to be an on-base machine. That’s what he’s done in his career. The type of hitter he is, he takes walks, he swings at the balls in the strike zone. That’s what we like at the top.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Randy #Vasquez #Padres #eager #continue #good #fortune #RockiesApr 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images

The San Diego Padres started the season by dropping four of their first five games before getting on a roll.

The Padres have won 14 of their last 17 games, including a four-game home sweep of Colorado as part of an eight-game winning streak. The Rockies can exact some revenge when they host the Padres in the opener of a three-game set on Tuesday in Denver.

San Diego right-hander Randy Vasquez (1-0, 2.49 ERA) goes to the mound on Tuesday. Colorado has not named a starter for the series opener.

The Padres were off Monday while the Rockies dropped a 12-3 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers to end a four-game wraparound series.

Vasquez is making his second start of the season against Colorado and the eighth in his career. In his previous seven outings against the Rockies, he is 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA. He allowed just one run and struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings on April 9 in San Diego.

While the Padres have piled up the wins since late March, there is another ongoing streak that could make history this week. Closer Mason Miller is close to breaking the club’s consecutive scoreless innings record held by Cla Meredith.

Miller’s streak of 32 2/3 scoreless innings is one behind Meredith, who established the mark from July 18 to Sept. 12, 2006.


If he doesn’t allow a run in his next full inning, he’ll also tie Chris Short for eighth place among relievers for the longest streak since 1961. Gregg Olson holds the record with 41 shutout innings from Aug 4, 1989, to May 4, 1990, with Baltimore.

“This season is off to a good start,” Miller told MLB.com. “I finished last season strong. The two aren’t necessarily connected.”

If he is to continue the streak on the road, he’ll have to do it on the high altitude of Denver or when San Diego plays Arizona in Mexico City on Saturday and Sunday.

Colorado may derail those plans after a confidence-building series against the Dodgers. Like the Padres, Los Angeles was rolling heading to Denver before the Rockies split the series.

There’s much more optimism in Colorado surrounding this season after losing 119 games in 2025. The Rockies shook up their roster, and some of the early returns are positive. Troy Johnston and TJ Rumfield have played well in their first year with the team, and Edouard Julien has been a catalyst when he’s in the lineup.

Julien had three hits in a 9-6 win over the Dodgers on Sunday and is batting .259 heading into this three-game series.

“Eddie’s been great for us since day one,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “We knew that he was going to be an on-base machine. That’s what he’s done in his career. The type of hitter he is, he takes walks, he swings at the balls in the strike zone. That’s what we like at the top.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Randy #Vasquez #Padres #eager #continue #good #fortune #Rockies">Deadspin | Randy Vasquez, Padres eager to continue good fortune vs. Rockies Apr 9, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Randy Vasquez (98) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images The San Diego Padres started the season by dropping four of their first five games before getting on a roll. The Padres have won 14 of their last 17 games, including a four-game home sweep of Colorado as part of an eight-game winning streak. The Rockies can exact some revenge when they host the Padres in the opener of a three-game set on Tuesday in Denver. San Diego right-hander Randy Vasquez (1-0, 2.49 ERA) goes to the mound on Tuesday. Colorado has not named a starter for the series opener. The Padres were off Monday while the Rockies dropped a 12-3 decision to the Los Angeles Dodgers to end a four-game wraparound series. Vasquez is making his second start of the season against Colorado and the eighth in his career. In his previous seven outings against the Rockies, he is 3-1 with a 3.86 ERA. He allowed just one run and struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings on April 9 in San Diego. While the Padres have piled up the wins since late March, there is another ongoing streak that could make history this week. Closer Mason Miller is close to breaking the club’s consecutive scoreless innings record held by Cla Meredith. Miller’s streak of 32 2/3 scoreless innings is one behind Meredith, who established the mark from July 18 to Sept. 12, 2006. If he doesn’t allow a run in his next full inning, he’ll also tie Chris Short for eighth place among relievers for the longest streak since 1961. Gregg Olson holds the record with 41 shutout innings from Aug 4, 1989, to May 4, 1990, with Baltimore. “This season is off to a good start,” Miller told MLB.com. “I finished last season strong. The two aren’t necessarily connected.” If he is to continue the streak on the road, he’ll have to do it on the high altitude of Denver or when San Diego plays Arizona in Mexico City on Saturday and Sunday. Colorado may derail those plans after a confidence-building series against the Dodgers. Like the Padres, Los Angeles was rolling heading to Denver before the Rockies split the series. There’s much more optimism in Colorado surrounding this season after losing 119 games in 2025. The Rockies shook up their roster, and some of the early returns are positive. Troy Johnston and TJ Rumfield have played well in their first year with the team, and Edouard Julien has been a catalyst when he’s in the lineup. Julien had three hits in a 9-6 win over the Dodgers on Sunday and is batting .259 heading into this three-game series. “Eddie’s been great for us since day one,” manager Warren Schaeffer said. “We knew that he was going to be an on-base machine. That’s what he’s done in his career. The type of hitter he is, he takes walks, he swings at the balls in the strike zone. That’s what we like at the top.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Randy #Vasquez #Padres #eager #continue #good #fortune #Rockies

The familiar script played out yet again in this edition of the IPL as Gujarat Titans’ brittle middle-order caved in without a fight against the Mumbai Indians.

On a day when Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler failed to fire, none of the remaining Titans batters showed the resilience required in a demanding chase. The collective failure prompted batting coach Matthew Hayden to label it a “horrible day” for his side.

The most worrying aspect wasn’t just the defeat, but the manner of it. The Titans couldn’t even bat out their 20 overs, as their innings rapidly unravelled.

The result also dealt a blow to their Net Run Rate and reignited concerns over an under-performing middle-order comprising Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan.

Only Washington managed to score at a brisk rate, while Phillips and Tewatia struggled to get going and their strike rates were well below the demands of modern T20 cricket. “The middle order was undoubtedly exposed,” Hayden admitted, pointing to the early damage in the PowerPlay.

“The thing about the PowerPlays is that you can’t win from there, especially in a run chase, but you can definitely lose it. And we lost it in the PowerPlay,” Hayden said.

The early dismissals of Sai Sudharsan, Buttler and Gill left the middle order with too much to do — a scenario Hayden believes the side must avoid. He stressed that players like Tewatia and Shahrukh are built for impact, not accumulation, and sending them in too early only adds pressure.

So far, Shahrukh has scored 35 runs, while Tewatia has chipped in with just 49 runs. “We are putting a lot of pressure on the middle-order. When you look at how the middle-order operates, it’s vastly different from how the top three handle those preparations. They are batting for impact,” Hayden said.

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#IPL #familiar #middleorder #collapse #hurts #Gujarat #Titans">IPL 2026: A familiar middle-order collapse hurts Gujarat Titans yet again The familiar script played out yet again in this edition of the IPL as Gujarat Titans’ brittle middle-order caved in without a fight against the Mumbai Indians.On a day when Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler failed to fire, none of the remaining Titans batters showed the resilience required in a demanding chase. The collective failure prompted batting coach Matthew Hayden to label it a “horrible day” for his side.The most worrying aspect wasn’t just the defeat, but the manner of it. The Titans couldn’t even bat out their 20 overs, as their innings rapidly unravelled.The result also dealt a blow to their Net Run Rate and reignited concerns over an under-performing middle-order comprising Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia and Shahrukh Khan.Only Washington managed to score at a brisk rate, while Phillips and Tewatia struggled to get going and their strike rates were well below the demands of modern T20 cricket. “The middle order was undoubtedly exposed,” Hayden admitted, pointing to the early damage in the PowerPlay.“The thing about the PowerPlays is that you can’t win from there, especially in a run chase, but you can definitely lose it. And we lost it in the PowerPlay,” Hayden said.The early dismissals of Sai Sudharsan, Buttler and Gill left the middle order with too much to do — a scenario Hayden believes the side must avoid. He stressed that players like Tewatia and Shahrukh are built for impact, not accumulation, and sending them in too early only adds pressure.So far, Shahrukh has scored 35 runs, while Tewatia has chipped in with just 49 runs. “We are putting a lot of pressure on the middle-order. When you look at how the middle-order operates, it’s vastly different from how the top three handle those preparations. They are batting for impact,” Hayden said.Published on Apr 21, 2026 #IPL #familiar #middleorder #collapse #hurts #Gujarat #Titans

Deadspin | Anthony Edwards, Wolves escape 19-point hole, level set vs. Nuggets Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) finishes off a basket in the first half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1:05 left, and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 to level their playoff series on Monday. Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup. Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis. DiVincenzo finished with 16 points, Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, Bones Hyland contributed 13 and Naz Reid 11 for the Timberwolves. Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but both struggled in the fourth quarter, combining to shoot 2-for-12. Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 points apiece and Cameron Johnson scored 13 for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18. The Nuggets won their last 12 regular-season game and their postseason opener. Bruce Brown hit two 3-pointers to give the Nuggets a five-point lead early in the fourth. Randle’s two free throws cut it to 105-104 in the middle of the period, but Braun answered with a running dunk to force a Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota scored the next three buckets to go ahead 110-107 with 4:06 left. Braun split a pair of free throws before Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had a putback slam. Gordon hit a 3-pointer to slice Denver’s deficit to one, but DiVincenzo answered from deep. Jokic made a driving dunk to bring the Nuggets within two, and Edwards traveled with 30.6 seconds remaining. Braun went 1-for-2 from the line to cut it to 115-114 with 19.1 seconds left. Randle hit two free throws, Murray missed a jumper and DiVincenzo sealed it with a dunk. Denver led 44-25 early in the second quarter, but the Timberwolves went on a long surge to lead 64-56. The Nuggets scored the final eight points of the half, the last on Murray’s 51-foot heave at the horn, to tie it at intermission. Jokic went 4-for-7 from the field in the third quarter while hitting all seven of his free-throw attempts, with his 16 points giving the Nuggets a 93-90 lead heading into the fourth. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anthony #Edwards #Wolves #escape #19point #hole #level #set #NuggetsApr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) finishes off a basket in the first half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1:05 left, and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 to level their playoff series on Monday.

Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis.

DiVincenzo finished with 16 points, Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, Bones Hyland contributed 13 and Naz Reid 11 for the Timberwolves.

Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but both struggled in the fourth quarter, combining to shoot 2-for-12.


Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 points apiece and Cameron Johnson scored 13 for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18. The Nuggets won their last 12 regular-season game and their postseason opener.

Bruce Brown hit two 3-pointers to give the Nuggets a five-point lead early in the fourth. Randle’s two free throws cut it to 105-104 in the middle of the period, but Braun answered with a running dunk to force a Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota scored the next three buckets to go ahead 110-107 with 4:06 left.

Braun split a pair of free throws before Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had a putback slam. Gordon hit a 3-pointer to slice Denver’s deficit to one, but DiVincenzo answered from deep. Jokic made a driving dunk to bring the Nuggets within two, and Edwards traveled with 30.6 seconds remaining.

Braun went 1-for-2 from the line to cut it to 115-114 with 19.1 seconds left. Randle hit two free throws, Murray missed a jumper and DiVincenzo sealed it with a dunk.

Denver led 44-25 early in the second quarter, but the Timberwolves went on a long surge to lead 64-56. The Nuggets scored the final eight points of the half, the last on Murray’s 51-foot heave at the horn, to tie it at intermission.

Jokic went 4-for-7 from the field in the third quarter while hitting all seven of his free-throw attempts, with his 16 points giving the Nuggets a 93-90 lead heading into the fourth.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Anthony #Edwards #Wolves #escape #19point #hole #level #set #Nuggets">Deadspin | Anthony Edwards, Wolves escape 19-point hole, level set vs. Nuggets Apr 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) finishes off a basket in the first half against the Denver Nuggets during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Anthony Edwards posted 30 points and 10 rebounds, Donte DiVincenzo hit a clutch 3-pointer with 1:05 left, and the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a 19-point deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 119-114 in Game 2 to level their playoff series on Monday. Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds and hit two free throws with 18.8 seconds left to help Minnesota even the Western Conference quarterfinal matchup. Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is Thursday night in Minneapolis. DiVincenzo finished with 16 points, Jaden McDaniels had 14 points, Bones Hyland contributed 13 and Naz Reid 11 for the Timberwolves. Jamal Murray had 30 points for the second straight game and Nikola Jokic added 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but both struggled in the fourth quarter, combining to shoot 2-for-12. Christian Braun and Tim Hardaway Jr. had 16 points apiece and Cameron Johnson scored 13 for Denver, which lost for the first time since March 18. The Nuggets won their last 12 regular-season game and their postseason opener. Bruce Brown hit two 3-pointers to give the Nuggets a five-point lead early in the fourth. Randle’s two free throws cut it to 105-104 in the middle of the period, but Braun answered with a running dunk to force a Timberwolves timeout. Minnesota scored the next three buckets to go ahead 110-107 with 4:06 left. Braun split a pair of free throws before Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had a putback slam. Gordon hit a 3-pointer to slice Denver’s deficit to one, but DiVincenzo answered from deep. Jokic made a driving dunk to bring the Nuggets within two, and Edwards traveled with 30.6 seconds remaining. Braun went 1-for-2 from the line to cut it to 115-114 with 19.1 seconds left. Randle hit two free throws, Murray missed a jumper and DiVincenzo sealed it with a dunk. Denver led 44-25 early in the second quarter, but the Timberwolves went on a long surge to lead 64-56. The Nuggets scored the final eight points of the half, the last on Murray’s 51-foot heave at the horn, to tie it at intermission. Jokic went 4-for-7 from the field in the third quarter while hitting all seven of his free-throw attempts, with his 16 points giving the Nuggets a 93-90 lead heading into the fourth. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Anthony #Edwards #Wolves #escape #19point #hole #level #set #Nuggets

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